Introduction to Car Stereo

What is a car stereo?

A car stereo is the centerpiece of any car audio system. Also known as a radio, receiver, or head unit, today's car stereo performs a variety of complex functions. To understand these functions, it's helpful to think of a car stereo as having three different sections:

Modern stereos, like this Kenwood DDX770 DVD receiver, are full of useful features

Source — This is the part that "plays" the music. Sources may include a standard AM/FM tuner, CD player, MP3/WMA/AAC decoding, satellite radio, iPod® connections, USB inputs, DVD player, or even cassette player.

Preamp — This is where all sound adjustments are made. The preamp section includes controls ranging from simple volume, balance, fader, source selection, and tone adjustments to sophisticated crossovers, equalizers, and time correction.

Amplifier — The amplifier section boosts the small (low-voltage) audio signal coming from the preamp section into a larger (high-voltage) audio signal that's sent out to the speakers.

Why would I want or need a new car stereo?

A new stereo will give you better sound and more playback options than the typical factory stereo.

Better sound quality — Superior built-in power and better circuit design mean that an aftermarket car stereo isn't just louder than the typical factory stereo, it also produces cleaner, richer, more detailed sound.

New sources — One of most common reasons to get a new stereo is to expand your system's music playback and other capabilities. Aftermarket stereos offer advanced capabilities, such as:

MP3/WMA/AAC playback

iPod® support

satellite radio

HD Radio™ reception

DVD playback

Bluetooth® connectivity

GPS navigation

support for Pandora® Internet radio

support for Android™ phones

We're also seeing increased integration of smartphone apps with both iPhones® and Android smartphones.

Security — Features like detachable face plates and security codes help protect your investment from theft.

What kind of car stereo is right for you?

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number and variety of models in our car stereo listing. How do you know which one is right for you? Our expert shopping guides can help. Click on the links to learn more.

Crutchfield Writer Biography

Robert Ferency-Viars

Robert Ferency-Viars is the managing editor for the Crutchfield car A/V learning content, and has been with the company since 1999. A Virginia native from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, he loves spending time with his wonderful wife and sons, listening to music, writing, and playing games with friends. Robert's love for car audio began at 16 when he installed his first car stereo.
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